Methods for Forming Small-Volume Electrical Contacts and Material Manipulations With Fluid Microchannels

ABSTRACT

A microfabricated device employing a bridging membrane and methods for electrokinetic transport of a liquid phase biological or chemical material using the same are described. The bridging membrane is deployed in or adjacent to a microchannel and permits either ionic current flow or the transport of gas species, while inhibiting the bulk flow of material. The use of bridging membranes in accordance with this invention is applicable to a variety of processes, including electrokinetically induced pressure flow in a region of a microchannel that is not influenced by an electric field, sample concentration enhancement and injection, as well as improving the analysis of materials where it is desired to eliminate electrophoretic bias. Other applications of the bridging membranes according to this invention include the separation of species from a sample material, valving of fluids in a microchannel network, mixing of different materials in a microchannel, and the pumping of fluids.

This invention was made with government support under contractDE-AC05-96OR22464 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy to LockheedMartin Energy Research Corp. and the government has certain rights inthis invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to microchip designs for the electrokineticmanipulation of fluidic chemical and biological materials. Morespecifically, this invention provides a microchip device which utilizeselectrokinetic forces for the transport of materials throughmicrochannels. The microchip device of this invention includes amembrane between adjacent or intersecting microchannels for passingionic current while inhibiting bulk fluid flow.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to facilitate the development of the biological and chemicalsciences, microchip technologies are increasingly utilized to performtraditional chemical laboratory functions within a controlledmicrofabricated environment. These “on-chip” laboratories facilitate theprecise transport and analysis of fluidic chemical and biologicalmaterials. Specifically, the decreased dimensions of the microchipdevices provide integration of electronic and chemical processingtechnology while simultaneously yielding increased speed in analysis,reduction in reagent and/or sample consumption, and improved control inthe automation of material manipulations.

Microfabricated devices that integrate chemical reactions with rapidanalysis time have significant applications for high-throughput drugscreening, automated analysis, and clinical chemistry. Microchips arecharacterized by reduced analysis time and reagent consumption, ease ofautomation, and valveless fluid control of sub-nanoliter volumes. Avariety of electrically driven separations have been performed withinmicrochannel networks. Microchips have also been developed forcontrolling chemical reactions, including arrays for solid-phasechemistry, reaction wells for polymerase chain reactions, channels withimmobilized enzymes for flow injection analysis, and manifolds forhomogenous enzyme assays. A microfluidic device using electrokineticmixing of the organic solvents and reagents for the formation of an azodye has been demonstrated.

The ability to design and machine channel manifolds with low-volumeconnections renders microchips suitable for combining several steps ofan analytical process on one device. Microchips that combine chemicalreactions with the speed and scale of CE analysis have been demonstratedfor pre- and post-separation reactions, for DNA restriction digests withfragment sizing, and for cell lysis, multiplex PCR amplification andelectrophoretic sizing.

Presently, chemical and biological materials are transported onmicrochips by way of electrokinetic techniques or an external pumpingapparatus. The use of an external pumping apparatus is disfavored,however, because it demands additional hardware that is bulky anddifficult to interface with the microchips. On the other hand,electrokinetic techniques, i.e., electroosmotically induced fluid flowor electrophoretic migration of ions, are the preferred methods ofmanipulating biological and chemical materials on microchip devices.

Electroosmosis is the bulk flow of fluid due to the combined effects ofan electrical double layer in the presence of an axial electrical field.See, e.g., C. L. Rice and R. Whitehead, “Electrokinetic Flow in a NarrowCylindrical Capillary”, J. of Phys. Chem. (1965). The high density ofions in the diffuse region of the double layer are pulledelectrostatically by the electric field along the walls of the channel.The layer of ions acts like a sleeve that is being pulled along the wallwhich adds momentum to the fluid by viscous drag. Under steady stateconditions, which are reached in a microsecond timescale for thedimensions discussed herein, all fluid which is farther from the wallthan the diffuse region are traveling at the same velocity. For example,water at pH 8 in a glass microchannel would travel at a velocity of ˜1cm/s with an electric field strength of ˜1 kV/cm. Electrophoresis is thevelocity imparted to an ion in_solution when exposed to an electricfield. The velocity of the ion is determined by the charge of the ion,the electric field strength, the viscosity of the solvent and thehydrodynamic radius of the ion. The direction of the ion movementdepends on the direction of the electric field vector and the polarityof the charge on the ion. Electrophoresis necessarily only transportscharged species. Electroosmosis imparts a velocity to all ions andneutral species. Under conditions where both electroosmosis andelectrophoresis are operative, the net velocity of an ion will be thevector sum of the electroosmotic and electrophoretic_velocities.

Electrokinetic transport mechanisms have been highly effective fordemonstrating a number of highly useful experiments as identified above.A deficiency of presently demonstrated devices is the inability to makeelectrical contacts directly within microchannels. Efforts have beenmade to make such electrical contacts using a metal film that isphotolithographically deposited onto a glass substrate so as to makecontact with the fluidic microchannels. Such electrodes produceelectrolysis products, most notably, oxygen and hydrogen gas from water,in all cases except under very limited conditions. The formation of agas bubble can quickly separate the fluid in a microchannel and producesa nonconducting region which hinders the electrokinetic transportmechanisms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a microfabricated device for liquid phasechemical and biological analysis. The device includes a substratemicrofabricated with a series of channels and reservoirs. In accordancewith this invention at least two of the microfabricated channels eitherintersect or are in close proximity to each other but do not overlap. Abridging membrane is created in one of the intersecting channels orbetween the two adjacent channels. The bridging membrane permits ioniccurrent flow or gas transport while inhibiting bulk fluid flowtherethrough. Reservoirs are formed in fluidic communication with theetched channels and are electrically connected with a high voltage powersource to provide an electrical potential for electrokinetically drivingand/or injecting materials from the reservoirs into the channels.

An object of the present invention is to provide a microfabricateddevice for performing sample loading and injection procedures thatminimize electrochemically generated products in the transported sample.

Another object of the present invention is to provide reagent processingof electrokinetically driven products in a microfabricated device havinga region that is uninfluenced by an electric field.

A further object of the present invention is to provide amicrofabricated device which enables the transport of fluidic chemicaland biological materials by electroosmotic forces into a regionuninfluenced by an electric field.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a microfabricateddevice capable of concentrating ionic species.

A further object of the present invention is to provide amicrofabricated device for separating or purifying a sample material.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a microfabricateddevice to facilitate the removal of electrochemically generated gasspecies.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide amicrofabricated device to generate positive or negative pressure tofacilitate hydraulic transport of gases or liquids.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a microfabricateddevice to effect valving in microfluidic structures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, and the following detailed description, will bebetter understood when read in conjunction with the attached drawings,in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fluidic microchip having a bridgingmembrane in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of the bridging membrane shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing the electrical connections to themicrochip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a graph showing a cross-sectional profile of two channels anda bridging membrane used in the microchip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a white light image of the bridging membrane of FIG. 1 inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a fluorescence image of the rhodamine B buffer pumped beyondthe bridging membrane connection of the microchip in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a graph of three profiles of a rhodamine B marker used tomeasure (a) electroosmotic flow without a bridging membrane, (b)electroosmotic flow using a bridging membrane, and (c) flow 10 mm beyondthe junction using the bridging membrane;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a microchip inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of the intersection of the side channel andanalysis channels of FIG. 5 showing the location of the bridgingmembrane;

FIG. 6A is a white light image of the intersection portion of the fluidchannels shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6B is a fluorescence image showing the filling of the intersectionportion of the fluid channels of FIG. 6A with rhodamine B buffer;

FIG. 6C is a fluorescence image showing the rinsing of the intersectionof FIG. 6B with a buffer;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of a microchipaccording to this invention;

FIG. 8 is a backlit image of a further embodiment of a bridging membraneaccording to this invention;

FIG. 9 is a fluorescence image of DNA concentration at the bridgingmembrane of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of a “tee” microchannel network having abridging membrane in two of the microchannels thereof;

FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram of a single, straight channel of amicrochannel network having a bridging membrane disposed therein;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement of microchannels andbridging membranes in accordance with another aspect of this inventionfor accomplishing ionic or molecular separation of a fluidic material;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a microchip in accordance with afurther aspect of this invention for effecting out removal of gasspecies generated in the fluidic materials when electrically energized;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a microchannel according to anotheraspect of this invention having a series of bridging membranes forlinearly transporting a material along the microchannel;

FIGS. 14A-14E are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement andoperating sequence of a microfluidic vacuum pump utilizing bridgingmembranes;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a cross arrangement ofmicrochannels and bridging membranes in accordance with a further aspectof this invention for accomplishing microfluidic valving of a fluidicmaterial;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement of microchannels andbridging membranes in accordance with another aspect of this inventionfor mixing of fluidic materials.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A microfabricated device in accordance with the present invention isdescribed in connection with several embodiments of microchannelnetworks utilizing a bridging membrane that is operable to pass ioniccurrent, but minimize bulk fluid flow or transport of larger molecules,e.g. DNA. The bridging membrane allows electrical connection to fluidicmicrochannels without the problems related to electrolysis. Thiscapability enables a number of important fluidic manipulations to berealized on microfabricated structures designed for the analysis andsynthesis of chemical and biochemical materials.

A device in accordance with the present invention is particularly usefulin connection with the analysis or processing of materials which areaffected by electrophoretic bias. For example, post electrophoreticseparation derivatization of a sample with a reagent would benefit fromthe devices of the subject invention. Also, the microfabricated deviceof the present invention permits electrochemical detection schemes inwhich a detection cell needs to be isolated from the electric field thatfacilitates transport of the sample material.

A device according to this invention uses the electroosmotic phenomenonto drive fluids, but includes a bridging membrane to isolate electricfields generated in the channels of the microfabricated device. Thebridging membrane permits ionic current or gas to pass but minimizes orrestricts bulk fluid flow. In a first embodiment, the bridging membraneprovides a connection between a first channel and a second channelcarrying materials to be analyzed or processed.

One application of this configuration involves using the bridgingmembrane in a fluidic microchip for facilitating DNA concentrationenhancement.

A second embodiment includes a first channel which is filled with apolyacrylamide gel as the bridging membrane. The gel is disposed in thefirst channel adjacent to the second or analysis channel of themicrofabricated device.

A third embodiment utilizes the bridging membrane to facilitate sampleloading and injection procedures such that electrochemically generatedbyproducts in the sample are minimized. A second application of a deviceaccording to this invention uses a bridging membrane for separating orpurifying a sample material.

A fourth embodiment includes a channel with a thin film electrode and abridging membrane which facilitate the removal of electrochemicallygenerated gas species from the microfabricated channel.

Additional applications employ bridging membranes to pump liquids orgases through microchannels. A further application employs bridgingmembranes to effect valving in microfluidic structures. Still furtherapplications of this invention utilize bridging membranes for generatingelevated pressures in a microchannel or to effect mixing of materials ina microchannel.

Adjacent Channel Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B there is shown a microfabricateddevice labeled 5A in accordance with the present invention. Device 5A isfabricated from a solid substrate material 10. Glass is a preferredsubstrate material because it etches isotopically. However, silicon maybe use instead because of the well developed technology permitting itsprecise and efficient fabrication. Also, other materials such aspolymers, quartz, fused silica, sapphire, or plastics may be used. Aseries of microchannels 20A, 20B, 25, 25A, 25B, 30A, and 30B are formedin the top surface of the substrate 10 for facilitating theelectroosmotic transport of biological and chemical materials. Themicrochannels 20A, 20B, 30A, and 30B intersect at a channel junction130. Microchannel 25 interconnects side channels 25A and 25B adjacent toanalysis microchannel 20B. A cover plate 15 appropriately affixed overthe top surface of the substrate 10 seals the microfabricated surface ofdevice 5A.

The microchip device SA is fabricated using micromachining methods knownto those skilled in the art. The micromachining methods availableinclude film deposition processes such as spin coating and chemicalvapor deposition, laser fabrication or photolithographic techniques suchas UV or X-ray processes, or etching methods which may be performed byeither wet chemical processes or plasma processes. Preferably, themicrochannels 20A, 20B, 25, 25A, 25B, 30A, and 30B are formed onsubstrate 10 using a positive photoresist, photomask, and UV exposure.The channels are etched into the substrate 10 in a dilute, stirredHF/NH4F bath.

Cover plate 15 is bonded to the substrate 10 over the etchedmicrochannels 20A, 20B, 25, 25A, 25B, 30A, and 30B by hydrolyzing thesurfaces, spin-coating sodium silicate or potassium silicate onto thecover plate 15, bringing the substrate and cover plate into contact witheach other, and then processing the assembly at temperatures typicallyranging from about room temperature up to about 500° C. A suitableprocedure is described in our copending application Ser. No. 08/645,497,the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Microchip device 5A, includes a first waste reservoir 35, a bufferreservoir 40, a sample reservoir 45, a second waste reservoir 50, andfirst and second side reservoirs 55 and 60. The reservoirs are bonded tothe substrate 10 over the terminal ends of micro-channels 30A, 20A, 30B,20B, 25A, and 25B, respectively. The reservoirs of microchip device 5Aare storage cells for liquid phase biological and chemical materials.The reservoirs supply materials for fluidic transport through themicrofabricated channels.

As shown in FIG. 1B, a high voltage power supply 125 is connected to thereservoirs of device 5A to provide electric potentials thereto. Aplurality of platinum wire electrodes 124 electrically connect the powersupply 125 to the reservoirs of the microchip device 5A and contact thematerials contained therein. The high voltage power supply 125 may beformed from a plurality of independent voltage sources or as a singlevoltage source and voltage divider network with a plurality of outputterminals each providing a different voltage level. The electrokineticdriving forces are created by providing a potential difference betweenthe various reservoirs in a controlled manner. Applied potentials onelectrokinetically driven microchips are typically 1-3 kV, but can behigher or lower and the desired polarity depends on the experimentalconditions.

Microchip device 5A as seen in FIG. 1A has a bridging membrane 65 (i.e.,a thin electrically conductive porous glass layer) between microchannel10 b and channel 25. The microchip 5A has two channels in closeproximity to each other. The distance between adjacent channels willvary depending on the etch time used to form the channels in thesubstrate, 0-35 μm bridges are typical. In the case of glass forexample, the etch is isotropic so the longer the etch the closer the twochannels come to physically connecting. Also, a low temperature bondingtechnique is used in order to generate a thin porous layer between thecover plate 15 and the substrate 10 at the bridging membrane junction65. For microchip 5A, the preferred channel separation distance betweenchannel 10 b and channel 25 is about 6 μm. FIG. 2 shows across-sectional profile of an embodiment of channel 10 b and 25, coverplate 15, and bridging membrane 65. The depth and width of the channelswere determined with a stylus profilometer.

There are several potential alternative methods for forming a bridgingmembrane between two adjacent channels such as described for device 5A.The adjacent channels can be formed in sufficiently close proximity andthe cover plate fixed to the substrate using a conventional hightemperature bonding procedure. An electrical potential of sufficientstrength can then be applied to the channels on opposite sides of thebridging membrane to thereby form electrical breakdown channels. Suchbreakdown channels provide a path for electrical conduction but havedimensions near that of the electrical double layer responsible forelectroosmotic flow. Such channels are less efficient in producingelectroosmotic flow and thus can act as bridging membranes. Anothermethod of forming a bridging membrane is to directly fabricate thebridging channel(s) to have dimensions similar to the electrical doublelayer and thus allow electrical conduction without significant fluidconduction.

Working Examples

Referring now to FIG. 3A, there is shown a portion of a physicalembodiment of a microchannel device such as device 5A. The device shownutilizes a porous glass layer as the bridging membrane. The analysischannel 10 b and the side channels 5 a and 25B have been formed on thesubstrate 10. Operation of device 5A will now be described withreference to FIGS. 1 and 3B. A plug 42 of rhodamine B in a sodiumtetraborate buffer is first loaded into analysis channel 10 b using afixed volume valve arrangement in which electric potentials of 0.6, 0.8,0, and 0.6 kV are applied to the buffer reservoir 40, the samplereservoir 45, the first waste reservoir 35, and the first side reservoir55, respectively. (0 kV corresponds to ground potential). Electricpotentials of 1.0, 0.7, 0.7, and 0 kV are then applied to the bufferreservoir 40, sample reservoir 45, first waste reservoir 35, and firstand second side reservoirs 55 and 60, respectively, to provide theelectrokinetic driving force for transporting the plug 42 of rhodamine Binto the analysis channel 20B. No voltage was applied to second wastereservoir 50, thereby allowing its potential to float. The plug ofrhodamine B is transported in the analysis channel 20B by electroosmoticflow between the junction 130 and bridging membrane 65, and byelectroosmotic pressure induced in the analysis channel 20B beyond thebridging membrane 65. A small fraction of the rhodamine B from plug 42moves across the bridging membrane 65 to channel 25, but the bulk of thefluid material flows past the bridging membrane 65 as shown in FIG. 3B.

The velocity of the sample plug 42 was measured using a single pointdetection scheme. Microchip 5A was first tested for electroosmotic flowunder standard operating conditions, i.e., with no electric potentialapplied to the bridging membrane 65. The buffer reservoir 40, the samplereservoir 45, the first waste reservoir 35, and the second wastereservoir 50 were energized at voltages of 1.0, 0.7, 0.7, and 0 kV,respectively, to transport the sample plug along the analysis channel.No electric potential was applied to the other reservoirs. The measuredelectroosmotic velocity of the plug 42 in the vicinity of the bridgingmembrane was 1.07 mm/s. The rhodamine B concentration profile wasmonitored in the analysis channel 20B at a point adjacent to thebridging membrane 65. Graph (a) of FIG. 4 shows the timing of the sampleas it passes the bridging membrane 65.

To measure the velocity with the side channels 25, 25A, and 25B engaged,i.e., with the bridging membrane in operation, electric potentials of1.0, 0.7, 0.7, and 0 kV were applied to the buffer reservoir 40, samplereservoir 45, first waste reservoir 35, and first side reservoir 55,respectively. No electric potential was applied to the second wastereservoir 50 or the second side reservoir 60. The electroosmoticvelocity measured in the vicinity of the bridging membrane was 1.29mm/s. The profile was again monitored at the bridging membrane junction65. Graph (b) of FIG. 4 shows the timing of the sample as it passes thebridging membrane 65. Graph (c) shows the timing of the same sample asobtained 10 mm downstream from the bridging membrane in a region of theanalysis channel 10 b that is free of an electric field. The velocity ofthe rhodamine B in the analysis channel 10 mm beyond the junction wasmeasured as 1.09 mm/s. The velocity difference corresponds to anestimated pressure generated in the analysis channel of about 0.10 barfrom the use of the bridging membrane.

The pressures or vacuums that are generated using these concepts dependon the dimensions of the channels, the interfacial characteristics andthe properties of the fluid. The equation below shows the pressuredependence on some of these parameters.

$P = \frac{3ɛ_{0}{ɛ\zeta}\; {EL}}{\pi \; d^{2}}$

The parameter ε₀ is the permittivity of free space, ε is the fluiddielectric constant, ζ is the zeta potential, E is the axial electricfield strength, L is the channel length over which electrokineticpumping is taking place, and d is the channel depth. Greater pressurescan be generated by reducing the channel depth, but not without bounds.When the channel depth approaches the electrical double layer thickness,electroosmotic pumping becomes less efficient with correspondingreductions in the average fluid velocity produced for a given electricalfield, as understood by those skilled in the art. The variation of fluidflow and effective pressure generation with varying channel depths anddouble layer thicknesses, at fixed electrical field strength or current,provides the ability to design structures that generate for differentpurposes as described in this application. Effective pressures that canbe electrokinetically generated can be controlled with channel depth andlength. In addition by making channel dimensions similar to the doublelayer thickness, fluid conduction can be inhibited while maintainingelectrical current.

One way to effectively reduce the channel depth or pumping depthdimension is to form a porous network of channels such as formed by thesilicate bonding methods used in the working examples describedhereinabove. The pore size of the bridging membrane acts as the channeldepth in the equation above for the pressure P, while the many separatepaths through the membrane increase the flow rate of fluid. An exampleof such a device is shown in FIG. 10A. A tee microchannel network 1000is formed with channel segments 1001, 1002, and 1003. A bridgingmembrane 1004 is formed in channel 1001 and a second bridging membrane1005 is formed in channel 1002. The bridging membranes 1004 and 1005 arepositioned near the intersection of the channels.

To generate pressure in channel 1003 a voltage is applied between theentrance to channel 1001 and the entrance to channel 1002 so as totransport fluid from channel 1001 to channel 1002. The pumpingcharacteristics, i.e., the fluid flow rate at a given electric fieldstrength, are different for the two membranes. Membrane 1004 is formedto provide a higher pumping rate than membrane 1005. Under suchconditions and given zero flow rate out channel 1003, a pressure will begenerated in channel 1003 corresponding to the pressure drop acrossmembrane 1004. Such generated pressures could be used to push a mobilephase through channel 1003 that is packed with stationary supportparticles while providing an electric field free region in channel 1003.Adjusting the applied potential to reverse the direction of fluidtransport will allow a vacuum to be created in channel 1003.

An alternative form of this arrangement is shown in FIG. 10B whichincludes an upper channel 1001′ and a lower channel 1002′. The upperchannel 1001′ has a bridging membrane 1004′ formed therein. When avoltage is applied between the entrances to channels 1001′ and 1002′ soas to move fluid from channel 1001′ to channel 1002′, a pressure isgenerated in the lower channel 1002′ corresponding to the pressure dropcharacteristics of bridging membrane 1004′. However, this implementationresults in an electric field being present in the lower channel 1002′,the high pressure microchannel segment.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a second working exampleembodied as microchip 5B in accordance with the present invention. Theworking example illustrates the use of microchip 5B for concentrationenhancement of DNA using a bridging membrane incorporated into themicrofluidic network formed on the chip. The microfabricated bridgingmembrane structure of microchip 5B is similar in design to microchip 5Ashown in FIG. 1 and described previously herein. FIG. 8 is a backlitimage of an actual microchip combined with a fluorescence image of theDNA material 208 concentrated in the analysis channel 212 at thebridging membrane 206 (bright spot at the bridging membrane). Theconcentration enhancement occurs when an electrical potential is appliedbetween the sample channel 200 and the first side channel 202. Noelectrical potential is applied to the analysis channel 212 in thiscase, but an electric potential of the same polarity as applied to thesample channel 200, if applied to waste channel 212, would furtherassist in confining the spatial extent of the concentrated DNA sample208 adjacent to the bridging membrane 206. The bridging membrane 206allows small ions to pass but prevents the larger molecules of the DNA208 from migrating through the bridging membrane 206 in the presence theelectric field. The bridging membrane thus acts as a physical barrierthrough which the DNA molecules 208 cannot pass and, over time, the DNA208 accumulates at the bridging membrane junction 206. The amount of DNA208 collected at the bridging membrane 206 is related to the electricfield strength, the time of accumulation, and the electrophoreticmobility of the DNA 208. In this example, the sample channel 200 isgrounded, and 1 kV is applied to the second side channel 210. Theaccumulation time is approximately 1 minute. The analysis and sidechannels, 212 and 202 respectively, are coated with covalently linkedlinear polyacrylamide to minimize electroosmotic flow and are filledwith 3% linear polyacrylamide, a common sieving medium for DNAseparations.

FIG. 9 shows a fluorescence image of the double stranded DNA 208(ΦX-174, Hae III digest) intercalated with a dye, TOPRO, and excitedusing an argon ion laser (514.5 nm) without backlighting of the bridgingmembrane connection 206. The bright spot at the center of the image isthe DNA material 208 that has been transported from the sample reservoir200 and concentrated at the bridging membrane 206. This technique can beused to concentrate either single or double stranded DNA. Clearly theintensity of the fluorescence is greater in the vicinity of the bridgingmembrane 206 than on the sample reservoir side of the analysis channelor in the analysis channel below the bridging membrane 206. Also, withthe addition of a channel to the microchip design both a constant volumeor variable volume valve can be implemented to inject a sample onto theanalysis channel 212 following concentration enhancement at the bridgingmembrane. Such a DNA concentration enhancement tool would be valuablefor DNA analysis when DNA concentrations would otherwise be too low tomeasure using standard techniques. It will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art that such as device is useful for other types ofmaterials that are to be analyzed such as proteins and syntheticpolymers.

Intersecting Channel Embodiments

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown another embodiment of amicrochip 6A in accordance with the present invention. Microchip 6A hasside channel portions 70A and 70B and analysis channel portions 75A and75B formed thereon. The side channel portions 70A, 70B intersect withanalysis channel portions 75A, 75B of microchip 6A. In preparingmicrochip 6A, the cover plate was bonded to the substrate over theetched channels by hydrolyzing the facing surfaces, bringing them intocontact with each other, and heating the assembly at 500° C. Microchip6A includes a side reservoir 80, a sample reservoir 85, a bufferreservoir 90, and a waste reservoir 95. The reservoirs are affixed withepoxy to the substrate at the point where the channels extend beyond thecover plate. Electrical connection between the high voltage power supplyand the reservoirs is made using platinum wire connection as illustratedfor the embodiment of FIG. 1B. Side channel portion 70A is filled with10% (w/v) acrylamide that is polymerized to gel form in situ. Thepolymer allows ionic current to pass, but inhibits bulk fluid flow inthe manner discussed above. The polymer extends to within about 1 mm ofthe intersection. The three remaining channel portions, 70B, 75A, and75B are filled with a buffer solution to prevent polymerization of theacrylamide in those channel portions.

Working Example

Referring now to FIG. 6A, there is shown an example of a microchipsimilar to that shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 6A, the chip is backlit to showthe microchannels and the intersection thereof. FIG. 6B, shows theintersection being filled with rhodamine B buffer by applying potentialsof 1.0 kV and 0 kV to the sample reservoir 85 and side reservoir 80,respectively. Rhodamine B is pumped into the buffer channel 70B andwaste channel 75B which are free of electric fields. In FIG. 6C theintersection is rinsed with a buffer solution by applying 1 kV, 0 kV, 0kV, and 0 kV to the buffer reservoir 90, sample reservoir 85, sidereservoir 80, and waste reservoir 95, respectively. A small amount ofrhodamine B is left in the side channel due to a small dead volume.Because of the high electrical resistance of the polymer filled channel,the utilization of the applied electric potential for the electroosmoticpumping effect is not as efficient in this example as for theembodiments described previously herein. However, polymer plugs having alower electrical resistance could be generated using plugs of differentspatial extent or conductivity.

Additional Embodiments and Applications

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown an arrangement for controllingsample loading and injection procedures which includes a microchip 6Baccording to the present invention. Microchip 6B includes a first bufferreservoir 150, a second buffer reservoir 140, a sample reservoir 135, afirst waste reservoir 160, and a second waste reservoir 170. A highvoltage source 125 is connected to the first buffer reservoir 150, thefirst waste reservoir 160, and the second waste reservoir 170 through avoltage dividing network consisting of resistors R1, R2, and R3. Aswitch 180 is connected between the high voltage source 125 and thesecond buffer reservoir 140. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the highvoltage source is not directly connected to the sample reservoir 135 asin the embodiment of FIG. 5. Instead, electrical connectivity is madethrough a small channel extending between the first buffer reservoir 150and the sample reservoir 135. A bridging membrane 130 is formed in themicrochannel between the first buffer reservoir 150 and the samplereservoir 135. The bridging membrane 130 is formed of a free solution ora polyacrylamide gel for the purpose of minimizing any electrochemicallygenerated products in the sample material.

To perform injections, a variable volume valve is configured with 1.0kV, 0.8 kV, 0.6 kV, and 0 kV applied to the second buffer reservoir 140,first buffer reservoir 150, first waste reservoir 160, and second wastereservoir 170. To inject a sample plug, the switch 180 is opened at thestart of the injection period. This removes the electric potential atthe second buffer reservoir 140 and continues to apply a potential tothe first buffer reservoir 150, first waste reservoir 160, and secondwaste reservoir 170. At the end of the injection period, switch 180 isclosed. The injection procedure of this embodiment is essentiallyidentical to an embodiment where the high voltage is applied directly inthe sample reservoir. However, it avoids to a large extent the problemsassociated with the electrochemical generation of undesired products inthe sample material.

A second use of a bridging membrane according to the present inventionis the separation of ions and/or molecules in a sample material basedupon their properties such as charge, size, or a combination thereof.The microchip is fabricated with a sample channel and a dialysis orelectrodialysis channel on one or both sides of the sample channel. Apreferred embodiment of this application is shown schematically in FIG.11. A sample channel 1102 is formed in fluid communication with a samplereservoir (not shown) and a waste reservoir (not shown). A firstdialysis channel 1104 and a second dialysis channel 1106 are formed onopposite sides of the sample channel 1102. The dialysis channels 1104and 1106 are separated from the sample channel 1102 by bridgingmembranes 1108 and 1110, respectively. A microchip embodiment of thisarrangement is fabricated as described above with reference to theembodiment of FIG. 1. The sample material and dialysis buffer aretransported through their respective channels using eitherelectrokinetic transport or a hydraulic force. In addition, a potentialdifference can be applied between the sample and dialysis channels tocause or prevent the transport of ions through the bridging membranes1108, 1110 from the sample channel 1102 to the dialysis channels 1104,1106, respectively. In this manner, small ions or molecules aretransported out of the sample channel for analysis or to remove themfrom the sample material in the sample channel 1102. Neutral smallmolecules can diffuse passively through the bridging membranes 1108,1110 with or without an electric field present. Moreover, without apotential difference applied between the sample channel 1102 and thedialysis channels 1104, 1106, small ions diffuse passively across thebridging membrane. The efficiency of the dialysis process in thisarrangement depends on dimensions of the sample channel, the dialysischannel(s), and the bridging membrane(s), the residence time of thesample material near the bridging membrane, and the magnitude of theelectric potential applied between the sample and dialysis channels.

When an electrode material is in contact with water, reduction/oxidationreactions occur at the electrode surface producing hydrogen and/oroxygen gas. This gas evolution quickly leads to macroscopic gas bubblegeneration and can disrupt the current and electrokinetic flowespecially in channels formed in glass or quartz substrates. In afurther embodiment of a microchip according to this invention forgenerating pressure-driven flow by electroosmotic pumping a poroussubstrate is used with a metal film electrode. In this arrangement thebridging membrane conducts gas phase species rather than electricalcurrent, but still inhibits bulk fluid transport. A working example ofthat arrangement was demonstrated using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)substrate and a metal film for the ground electrode in one of themicrofluidic channels. The PDMS acts as a bridging membrane thatfacilitates the removal of electrochemically generated gas phase speciesfrom the microfluidic channel because small gas phase molecules diffusethrough the PDMS more rapidly than in glass. This greater diffusionallows chips formed with a PDMS substrate to be electrically contactedusing a metal electrode at any point along a channel without the problemof macroscopic gas bubble formation in such a channel. Electricallycontacting a microchip channel using this method enables the creation ofan electric field-free region in the channel past the electrode, andmaterials can be pumped through this region using the pressure generatedin the electroosmotic pumping region.

To demonstrate this application, a hybrid microchip was fabricated usinga PDMS substrate into which channels were molded and a glass cover plateon which metal electrodes were fabricated. The device 1200 is shownschematically in FIG. 12. The microchannel network includes a samplechannel 1206, an analysis channel 1208, and a pair of side channelsintersecting with the sample and analysis channels formed on a PDMSsubstrate 1202. To form the microchannel network on the PDMS substrate1202, the PDMS material was polymerized in a negative silicon mold. Thesilicon mold was made by standard microfabrication techniques. Followingpolymerization, the PDMS substrate was removed from the silicon mold. Agrounding electrode 1212 was formed by sputtering a chrome electrodepattern onto a glass substrate 1204. The glass substrate 1204 and thePDMS substrate 1202 were then oxidized and sealed together. Theoxidation and sealing process used a plasma cleaner of a known type.Reservoirs 1201, 1203, 1205, and 1207 were formed in the PDMS substratein fluid communication with the sample channel 1206, the analysischannel 1208, and the side channels, respectively.

Prior to use, the microchannels were rinsed with 1M NaOH and distilledwater. This procedure was selected to minimize gas bubble formation whena large electric potential is used. Reservoir 1201 was filled with 1.0μm diameter fluorescently labeled particles in a 20 mM SDS/10 mM HEPESbuffer (pH 7.4). Reservoirs 1203, 1205, and 1207 were filled with bufferonly, i.e., no particles. After filling the reservoirs, a electricpotential was applied by connecting high voltage source 1214 betweenreservoir 1201 and the ground electrode 1212. No electric potential wasapplied to reservoirs 1203, 1205, or 1207. Under these conditions, theparticles were transported out of reservoir 1201 toward the groundelectrode 1212. The electroosmotic mobility of the bulk fluid wasgreater than the electrophoretic mobility of the anionic particles.Because the net velocity of the particles, i.e., the electroosmoticvelocity of the bulk fluid minus the electrophoretic velocity of theanionic particles, was lower than the electroosmotic velocity, anincrease in the average particle velocity was observed as the particlespassed from the pumping region 1209 of analysis channel 1208, over theground electrode 1212, and into the electric field-free region 1210 ofanalysis channel 1208. Particle velocities were measured before andafter the ground electrode using time-lapsed fluorescence CCD imaging,and an electric field strength of 300 V/cm in the pumping region wasused. The average particle velocity in the presence of the electricfield was 0.7(±0.1)mm/sec(n=21) and in the field free region was1.9(±0.6)mm/sec(n=7). A velocity increase of 2.6 times was seen as theparticles passed over the ground electrode 1212 indicating terminationof the electric field by the ground electrode. The electroosmoticmobility generated in the pumping region was estimated to be 6×10⁻⁴cm²/(V·s) and corresponds to typical electroosmotic mobilities fornative glass surfaces. Field strengths greater than 500 V/cm weresuccessfully applied without macroscopic bubble generation.

The bridging membrane embodiment described above suggests a simplisticmethod for manufacturing fluidic microchips. The fluidic channels aremolded as described above or embossed into a planar substrate using anembossing tool that contains the microfluidic channel design. Afterfabrication of the fluidic substrate a cover plate is formed from a gasporous material similar to that described above. In addition, theelectrical contacts are formed on this coverplate material using metaldeposition techniques to spatially pattern electrode structures in adesired layout. Other conducting materials besides metals could be used,e.g., conducting polymers, and different deposition or patterningmethods could be used such as electrochemical deposition or silk screenpatterning. The substrate and coverplate with electrodes are then bondedtogether using any of a number of approaches including adhesive bonding,covalent bonding, noncovalent bonding, or thermal bonding. The electrodelayout provides electrical contact within channels and reservoirs asnecessary in addition to electrical contact with the controlling powersupply unit that drives the electrokinetic fluid manipulations. Inaddition the substrate or coverplate could have fluid reservoirstherein. This method of microchip fabrication could be extremely rapidand inexpensive.

Shown schematically in FIG. 13 is another application of bridgingmembranes described above in a microchannel device according to thisinvention. The device 1300 has a substantially linear microchannel 1302that has electrical contacts 1304, 1306, 1308, and 1310 disposed atspaced-apart locations along microchannel 1302. The distance L_(e)between the electrical contacts is preferably fixed so that the contactsare equally spaced. However, it is not necessary to have equally spacedcontacts, although such an arrangement is believed to be the mostefficient design. The electrical contacts 1304, 1306, 1308, and 1310 areformed of a bridging membrane as described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 1. Alternatively, the electrical contacts can be made using the gaspermeable membrane (PDMS) and metal electrode combination describedabove with reference to FIG. 12. The inlet 1312 of microchannel 1302 isadapted to access at least two different materials. Microchannel 1302 ispredominantly filled with a first material 1314 that providessignificant electroosmotic mobility. In operation, an electric potentialis applied between electrodes 1304 and 1306 to induce electrokinetictransport of the first material toward electrode 1306. In that stage,electrodes 1308 and 1310 are left electrically floating. The inlet 1312of microchannel 1302 is then brought into communication with a secondmaterial for a period of time to generate a plug of the second material1316 that has an axial extent L_(p). In the preferred use of device1300, the second material is nonconducting or does not supportelectrokinetic transport. In the nonconducting case, the current throughelectrodes 1304 and 1306 is monitored so as to detect the arrival of theplug 1316 of the second material at electrode 1304. When a current dropis observed, an electric potential is applied between electrodes 1306and 1308, leaving the others electrically floating. The electrokineticforce to transport material is now induced in microchannel 1302 betweenelectrodes 1306 and 1308. The current through electrodes 1306 and 1308is monitored. Upon arrival of the plug 1316 of the second material atelectrode 1306 a reduction in current is detected at electrode 1306, andthe voltage is applied between electrodes 1308 and 1310, while leavingthe other electrodes floating. Again, when the plug 1316 of secondmaterial arrives at electrode 1308, a current drop occurs through thatelectrode. That signal resets the device so that the electricalpotential is applied between electrodes 1304 and 1306, as in the initialstate of operation. The maximum length of the plug 1316 of the secondmaterial is given by the following equation.

L_(p)<(n−3)L_(e)

or for n=4, L_(p)<L_(e). The minimum distance permitted between twoseparate plugs of the second material is 2L_(e)+L_(p). Device 1300 actsas a linear motor that is able to transport either a conducting ornonconducting material along microchannel 1302 by time dependent controlof the electrical potentials applied to the series of electricalcontacts 1304, 1306, 1308, and 1310.

Another application of a microfluidic device in accordance with thisinvention uses a plurality of bridging membrane contacts or electrodesas a pump for nonconducting liquids or gases. Such a pump uses asuitable electroosmotic liquid as a working fluid that would cyclerepeatedly within the device with little if any loss. The combination ofsurface tension, vapor pressure, and electroosmotic forces is selectedto be sufficient to withstand the pressure at the interface between theworking fluid and the gas or liquid being evacuated. The maximum pumpingpressure is attained when the electroosmotic flow is counterbalanced bythe Poiseuille flow generated by the pressure drop, and depends on theaxial electric field and the cross sections of the microchannels used.The vapor pressure of the working fluid is the ultimate limit of thevacuum that can be obtained with such a device. An embodiment of acyclical pump utilizing this concept is described below.

FIGS. 14A to 14E are schematic diagrams of a two-cycle pump 1400 that isused as a vacuum pump in accordance with this aspect of the invention.The pump 1400 has an inlet 1401 that is connected to a chamber (notshown) to be evacuated. Pump 1400 includes an exhaust port 1402 that isopen to the atmosphere and two channels 1404 and 1406 leading from theinlet port 1401 to the exhaust port 1402. Three electrodes 1408 a, 1408b, and 1408 c, preferably configured as bridging membranes, are disposedat several locations along channel 1404. Another electrode 1408 d ofsimilar construction is disposed at a preselected location on channel1406. There is an additional electrical contact 1409 at the exhaust port1402 that can be either a bridging membrane or another type ofconnection, such as a wire inserted in the exhaust opening. Electricalpotentials V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5 are selectively applied to theelectrodes 1408 a, 1408 b, 1408 c, 1408 d, and 1409, respectively,during the operation of the pump 1400. The following operatingconditions are selected to provide the desired functionality. First, thevoltage difference V4−V5 between the electrical contact 1409 andelectrode 1408 d and the voltage difference V1−V2 across the electrodes1408 a and 1408 b are selected to produce axial electric fields in theirrespective channels that are sufficiently large to produce anelectroosmotic pressure greater than the pressure difference between theexhaust port 1402 and inlet port 1401. The first condition (channel1406) prevents the working fluid from entering the vacuum chamber duringthe exhaust stroke while the second condition (channel 1404) ensuresthat the working fluid can be displaced from the low pressure inlet tothe high pressure exhaust. As a third condition, the net electroosmoticpressure produced by the voltage difference between electrodes 1408 cand 1408 b (V3−V2), between electrodes 1408 a and 1408 b (V1−V2), andbetween electrodes 1408 c and 1409 (V3−V5) is selected to ensure flow inthe counterclockwise direction during the exhaust stroke. The electricpotential applied to electrode 1408 c has a value V3 and the value of V3that meets this third condition is V3_(high). V3_(high) is the value ofV3 prior to the start of the intake stroke. The spacing betweenelectrodes and the magnitudes of the applied voltages are selected tomeet the above conditions.

The two strokes of the pumping cycle, intake and exhaust, are obtainedby varying the voltage at electrode 1408 c as shown in FIGS. 14A-14E. Tostart the intake stroke, the voltage at electrode 1408 c is set equal tothat at the exhaust port electrode 1409 as shown in FIG. 14A. The valueof V3 at this stage is V3_(low). Under that condition, the working fluidis pumped towards the exhaust port 1402 through both channels 1404 and1406. The fluid flow stops when the gas-fluid interface in channel 1404reaches electrode 1408 b and the gas-fluid interface in channel 1406reaches electrode 1408 d as shown in FIG. 14B. Flow stops at this pointbecause if the working fluid moved past those electrodes, the electricalconduction path in the channel would be broken and the electricalcurrent driving the flow would be interrupted, At the end of the intakestroke, the portion of channel 1404 between the electrode 1408 a andelectrode 1408 b is filled with gas at the pressure remaining in thevacuum chamber. Similarly, the portion of channel 1406 between theelectrode 1408 a and electrode 1408 d is filled with gas at the pressureremaining in the vacuum chamber. The exhaust stroke is started byincreasing the voltage at electrode 1408 c to its initial value,V3_(high), as shown in FIG. 14C. Because of the third conditionidentified above, the working fluid is electroosmotically pumped in acounterclockwise direction, driven by the voltage difference V3−V2,first filling channel 1404 up to electrode 1408 a, where the interface sstopped because of the resumption of electrical current conductionbetween electrodes 1408 a and 1408 b as shown in FIG. 14D. The flow thencontinues towards the exhaust port 1402, pushing out the entrained gas1410, which is now compressed to the exhaust pressure. Once electricalconduction is re-established between electrodes 1408 d and 1409, FIG.14E, the cycle can be repeated.

The pumping device according to this invention is not constrained tooperate between vacuum and atmospheric pressure. Any liquid or gas thatis immiscible with the working fluid and does not itself undergoelectroosmotic flow can be pumped in this way. If the desired pumpingspeed cannot be attained at a given pressure differential with onechannel, as described above, several channels could be connected inparallel between electrodes 1408 a and 1409 to increase the capacitywhile maintaining the required pressure differential.

A still further application of a bridging membrane in accordance withanother aspect of this invention relates to microfluidic valving. Amicrochannel network 1500 for implementing this application is shownschematically in FIG. 15. A plurality of microchannels 1501, 1503, 1505,and 1507 are interconnected at a common junction 1520. Reservoirs 1502,1504, 1506, and 1508 are in fluid communication with the microchannels1501, 1503, 1505, and 1507, respectively. Bridging membranes 1510, 1512,1514, and 1516 are disposed at preselected locations along microchannels1501, 1503, 1505, and 1507 between the reservoirs 1502, 1504, 1506, and1508, respectively, and the common intersection 1520. Electricalpotentials are selectively applied between the reservoirs 1502, 1504,1506, and 1508 and their corresponding bridging membranes 1510, 1512,1514, and 1516, respectively, to pump materials from the reservoirsthrough the fluidic microchannels.

In a first mode of operation, appropriate potentials are applied betweenreservoirs 1502 and 1508 and bridging membranes 1510 and 1516,respectively, to transport first and second materials from reservoirs1502 and 1508, respectively, through channels 1501 and 1507 into thecommon intersection 1520. No potentials need be applied to reservoirs1504 or 1506 or to bridging membranes 1512 or 1514. The first materialis transported from channel 1501 into channel 1503, and the secondmaterial is transported from channel 1507 into channels 1503 and 1505.The electrical potential at reservoir 1508 is then removed or loweredrelative to the electrical potential at reservoir 1502. This causes thefirst material to be transported into channel 1505. The electricalpotential at reservoir 1508 is then returned to its initial value toterminate the transporting of the first material into channel 1505.

In a second mode of operation, first and second materials are drawn fromtheir respective reservoirs into the common intersection instead ofbeing pushed as in the first mode of operation. Appropriate potentialsare applied between reservoirs 1504 and 1506 and bridging membranes 1512and 1514, respectively, to draw the first and second materials fromreservoirs 1502 and 1508, respectively, through channels 1501 and 1507into the common intersection 1520. No electrical potentials need beapplied to reservoirs 1502 and 1508 or to bridging membranes 1510 and1516. As in the first mode of operation, the first material istransported from channel 1501 into channel 1503, and the second materialis transported from channel 1507 into channels 1503 and 1505. Theelectrical potential at reservoir 1504 is removed or lowered relative tothe electrical potential at reservoir 1506 to transport the firstmaterial into channel 1505. The electrical potential at reservoir 1503is then returned to its initial value to terminate the transporting ofthe first material into channel 1505.

In both the first and second modes of operation of the microchannelnetwork shown in FIG. 15, the electrical potentials at reservoirs 1508and 1506 can be raised relative to the potentials at reservoirs 1502 and1504 for the respective material dispensing schemes. Also, bridgingmembranes 1510 and 1516 or 1512 and 1514 can be connected to a commonpotential or ground. In the first mode of operation, reservoirs 1504 and1506 can be combined into a single, common reservoir.

In a third mode of operation, appropriate electrical potentials areapplied between reservoirs 1502, 1508, and 1506, and bridging membranes1510, 1516, and 1514 such that first, second, and fourth materials aretransported from reservoirs 1502, 1508, and 1506, respectively, throughchannels 1501, 1507, and 1505, respectively, into channel 1503. Atequilibrium, the proportions of the first, second, and fourth materialsin the common intersection 1520 are constant. In a variation of thismode of operation, the transporting of the first, second, and fourthmaterials can be accomplished by applying an appropriate electricalpotential between reservoir 1504 and bridging membrane 1512, and havingthe channels 1501, 1503, 1505, and 1507 dimensioned appropriately. Thesecond material is dispensed into channel 1505 by applying appropriatepotentials between reservoirs 1508, 1504, and 1506 and bridgingmembranes 1516, 1512, and 1514, respectively. The dispensing of thesecond material into channel 1505 can be accomplished by applying anappropriate electrical potential between reservoir 1502 and bridgingmembrane 1510, and having channels 1501, 1503, 1505, and 1507dimensioned appropriately. In addition, bridging membranes 1510, 1512,1514, and 1516 can be connected to a common potential or to ground.

In any of the modes of operation described for the microchannel network1500 shown in FIG. 15, the electrical potentials can be applied betweenany combination of reservoirs and corresponding bridging membranes toenhance or diminish the transport of material within the respectivechannel or channels.

Yet another microchannel arrangement employing bridging membranes inaccordance with this invention is shown in FIG. 16. In thisimplementation a group of three bridging membranes 1601, 1602, and 1603is used to provide mixing of materials that are supplied from a mixingtee 1605. A first material is supplied from microchannel 1604 and adifferent material is supplied from microchannel 1606. The first andsecond materials are electrokinetically transported through teeintersection 1605 into the mixing microchannel 1608 by applyingappropriate voltages to channels 1604 and 1606 relative to channel 1608.The bridging membranes 1601, 1602, and 1603 are attached to channel 1608so as to form three spatially distinct electrical contacts orelectrodes. Voltages are applied to bridging membranes 1601 and 1603relative to bridging membrane 1602 for generating opposingelectrokinetic forces on the fluid which cause circulation patterns inthe transported materials similar to those indicated by the arrows inFIG. 16. In practice, the fluid motion is three-dimensional with theflow near the channel walls being toward bridging membrane 1602 and theflow in the center of the channel being away from bridging membrane1602. Materials are mixed in this fashion under either stopped flow orcontinuous flow conditions, i.e., the average net velocity of thematerials in the channel 1608 being zero or non-zero, respectively. Aseries of such mixers could also be cascaded for enhanced mixing of thematerials.

Several embodiments of a microfabricated device in accordance with thepresent invention have been described hereinabove. The microfabricateddevices which utilize a bridging membrane overcome many of thelimitations of the known devices. Devices constructed in accordance withthe concepts of this invention permit several advantageous modes ofoperation. More particularly, an embodiment has been described thatprovides sample loading and injection with a minimum ofelectrochemically generated byproducts. Another embodiment of thepresent invention has been described that enables the transport offluidic materials by electroosmotic forces in a channel region that isuninfluenced by an electric field. A further embodiment has beendescribed that provides the ability to concentrate ionic species in ananalysis channel. Still other embodiments of the present invention havebeen described which facilitate the separation or purification of samplematerial, that facilitate the removal of electrochemically generated gasspecies from the sample and transport materials, that provide eitherpositive or negative pressure to facilitate hydraulic transport offluidic materials, and that provide valving of fluidic materials in amicrofluidic structure.

The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms ofdescription and not of limitation. There is no intention in the use ofsuch terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the featuresshown and described or portions thereof. It is recognized, however, thatvarious modifications such as channel dimension, location, andarrangement are possible within the scope of the invention as claimed.

1-35. (canceled)
 36. A device for the manipulation of liquid phase materials, comprising: a substrate formed of a gas permeable material; a first channel disposed in said substrate and containing a first material, said first channel having first and second ends; an electrode made of a spatially defined electrically conducting material, said electrode being in electrical contact with said first channel at a location along said first channel that is intermediate the first and second ends thereof; a coverplate; said coverplate and said substrate being mated together such that the coverplate seals the first channel; and means for applying an electric potential between the first end of said first channel and said electrode, whereby transport of the first material can be induced in a first segment of the first channel between the first end of said first channel and said electrode and in a second segment between said electrode and the second end.
 37. A device as set forth in claim 36 wherein the coverplate is made of a gas permeable material.
 38. A device as set forth in claim 36 wherein the electrode is formed on the substrate.
 39. A device as set forth in claim 36 wherein the electrode is formed on the coverplate.
 40. A device as set forth in claim 37 wherein the electrode is formed on the coverplate.
 41. A device as set forth in claim 37 wherein the electrode is formed on the substrate.
 42. A method for the manipulation of liquid phase materials, comprising the steps of: providing a microchannel device that includes a substrate having a channel formed therein, an electrode made of a spatially defined electrically conducting material, said electrode being in electrical contact with said channel at a location along said channel that is intermediate first and second ends thereof, and a coverplate for sealing the channel, wherein either said substrate or said coverplate is formed of a gas permeable material; providing a material in the channel; and inducing transport of the material in a first segment of said channel between said electrode and the first end of said channel by applying an electric potential between the second end of said channel and said electrode, whereby the material is transported in the first segment of said channel and in a second segment of the channel between the second end of said channel and said electrode.
 43. A method for the manipulation of liquid phase materials, comprising the steps of: providing a microchannel device that includes a substrate having a channel formed therein, first and second electrodes made of a spatially defined electrically conducting material, said electrodes being in electrical contact with said channel at spaced apart locations along said channel that are intermediate first and second ends thereof, and a coverplate for sealing the channel, wherein either said substrate or said coverplate is formed of a gas permeable material; providing a material in the channel; and inducing transport of the material in a first segment of said channel between said first electrode and the first end of said channel and in a second segment of said channel between the second electrode and the second end of said channel by applying an electric potential between said electrodes, whereby the material is transported in the first and second segments, and in a third segment of said channel between said electrodes.
 44. A method as set forth in claim 42 or 43 wherein both the substrate and the coverplate are formed of the gas permeable material.
 45. A method as set forth in claim 42 or 43 wherein the step of generating the pressure or pressures in the channel comprises the step of applying an electric potential having a polarity such that the pressure generated in the channel effects transport of the material in a direction from the first end of the channel toward the second end of the channel.
 46. A method as set forth in claim 42 or 43 wherein the step of generating the pressure or pressures in the channel comprises the step of applying an electric potential having a polarity such that the pressure generated in the channel effects transport of the material in a direction from the second end of the channel toward the first end of the channel.
 47. A device for the manipulation of liquid phase materials, comprising: a substrate; a first channel disposed in said substrate and containing a first material, said first channel having first and second ends; first and second electrodes each made of a spatially defined electrically conducting material, said electrodes being in electrical contact with said first channel at spaced apart locations along said first channel that are intermediate the first and second ends thereof; a coverplate; said coverplate and said substrate being mated together such that the coverplate seals the first channel, said substrate or said coverplate being formed of a gas permeable material; and means for applying an electric potential between the first and second electrodes, whereby transport of the first material can be induced in a first segment of the first channel between the first and second electrodes, in a second segment of said first channel between the first electrode and the first end, and in a third segment of said first channel between the second electrode and the second end.
 48. A device as set forth in claim 47 wherein both the substrate and the coverplate are formed of the gas permeable material. 